Families Hereford and Worcs July/August 2014

The really useful magazine for parents of children 0-12 years

Issue No 28 July/August 2014

Picture courtesy of Abby Wilkes – www.abbywilkes.com

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

News & Views

Editor’s Letter Dear readers

July offer: 25% off your first month when you join in July.

In this issue we have a great competition to win a family ticket to see The Gruffalo in Birmingham.

For details see page 18.

Having 2 teenage girls who don’t Daniel at The Stables Farm Park seem to do much around the house www.thestablesfarmshop.co.uk at all, I read with interest and amusement the Chores for Children article. My advice would be to start getting them to help when they are young and make the most of it as younger children actually seem to enjoy helping out and older children do not!

With all those weeks of Summer holidays stretching in front of us, we parents need all the help we can get.

We have compiled an extensive Summer Holiday Clubs/Workshops feature and What’s on listings (pages 12-20) to suit all ages and keep the children occupied in the holidays. Please mention Families Hereford and Worcester when you contact venues.

We are focusing in particular on Schools and Activities/Clubs/ Classes for the Sep/Oct issue of Families Hereford and Worcester.

If you would like to advertise and reach 44,000 parents then please call me on 01386 791422 or email editor@ familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk for more information. We offer free advice and a free design service. Copy deadline is Friday 1st August. Have a fantastic summer break.

Explore Learning centres offer maths and English tuition for 5 to 14 year olds. Terms and conditions apply. See website for details.

Participating centres only. www.explorelearning.co.uk

Timesavers Concierge is a new

business set up by three busy parents who recognised that whether it’s home time, family time or business time you can never have enough!

Based to the west of Worcester in the Teme Valley Timesavers Concierge offer “pay as you go” one-off services or they can bundle several together to give you back some time either at work or at home. So give Timesavers Concierge your “to do” list!

From running errands to selling on Ebay or coaching in social media,Timesavers Concierge cover it all and so much more – take a look at their website at www.timesaversconcierge.co.uk or contact them on 0800 774 7734

Karen Craven (local Mum of 3, Step Mum to 2 plus Adoptive Mum to Salsa our retriever)

Editor, Families Hereford and Worcester

Contact details: Tel: 01386 791422 Mob: 07981 564053 email: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk Like us on Facebook FamiliesHandW

Follow us on Twitter @FamiliesHW

In this issue

Next issue: Sep/Oct, Editorial and booking deadline: Friday 1st August

02 Editor’s Letter 02 News & Views WIN a family ticket 04 Ed’s Reading Room 05 Chores for Children to The Gruffalo .

06 Education See page 18 for details 08 Internet Safety 09 An active life leads to a healthy life 10 Ping! Time to unplug and reconnect with your family 12 Summer Workshops and Holiday Clubs 16 What’s On All content Copyright 2014 Families Hereford and Worcester Circulation: 22,000 copies of Families Hereford and Worcester are available through nurseries, pre-schools, schools, libraries, soft play centres, selected shops and other distribution points throughout the county. If you would like free copies for your organisation or if you would like to subscribe so you don’t miss an issue please contact us.

Families Hereford and Worcester is part of the Families Group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. We take every care in preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of the advertisers nor for the accuracy of the content nor for any consequence.

Design: Natalie Schmidt at www.matobodesign.com, Tel: 020 8676 2857 Print: The Manson Group, St Albans at www.manson-grp.co.uk, Tel: 01727 848440 Front page picture by photo artist Abby Wilkes www.abbywilkes.com

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A Herefordshire company based in Ledbury specialise in healthy, nutritious baking kits for kids that have all the dry ingredients mixed together ready for a couple of eggs before they’re popped into the oven. They’re stuffed full of foods like chia, flax and raw cacao, and are perfect over Summer for parents looking to spend quality time with their kids, but who also may be strapped for time, worried about their children’s diets, or perhaps detoxing themselves.

The company are motivated by a want to change attitudes to nutrition and lifestyle, are stocked by Ocado and Cotswold Fayre, and have been mentored by the likes of Richard Reed of Innocent Smoothies. The range includes Playful Pizza Dough – with chia & flax, Ginger Giggles – with Barley & Rye, Chocolate Giggles – with Barley & Raw Cacao, Superoat Flapjacks – with Quinoa and Grainy Brainy Pancake Mix – with buckwheat and flax. Sweetpea Pantry also offers a range of kitchen utensils and accessories. www.sweetpeapantry.co.uk An innovative and award winning programme for pre-school children has been launched in St Johns, Worcester recently. The Creation Station’s handson art and craft exploration sessions give even very young children the chance to safely experiment with a wide range of materials, tools and ideas. Sophie Jones is leading the weekly, term-time programme for youngsters and their parents/carers at St John’s Church.

The aim is to inspire children’s imaginations through their specially designed art and craft activities and products. As well as being terrific fun for both child and adult creating their own piece of art each week also helps develop a child’s thinking and creative skills.

For more details contact Sophie on 01905 854 308/07475 174 679 or email sophiejones@thecreationstation.co.uk www.thecreationstation.co.uk July – August 2014

News & Views Blinx are the new eye-catching range of eyewear accessories for children who wear glasses, allowing Blinx – eyewear them to easily customise their accessories for kids existing spectacle frames. Newly launched in May, Blinx are designed to be easily slipped on and off the arms of children’s spectacles, allowing them to be swapped and changed to suit their mood or outfit. They can be worn individually, as matching pairs or mixed together to create a unique look.

The soft plastic charms will fit the majority of children’s spectacles and are available in an initial range of 20 designs. At just £1.99 each, Blinx are available from www.myblinx.co.uk Follow on Twitter @MyBlinx Blinx on Facebook

Family Yoga Hereford is the new Yoga service that takes care of all your needs as a pregnant mum or mum with a toddler.

Come and experience a gentle and energizing approach to Yoga.

Based at The Belmont Community Centre, Hereford, Family Yoga includes Yoga mums for mums and babes on Fridays 10-11 am and Pregnancy and Parent and Toddler Yoga on Wednesdays 9-10 am and 10.15-11.15 am. We also provide a lovely service for parents to have an hour Yoga session where you can come along with a friend to the Parent and Toddler group in the beautiful Yoga studio upstairs while your little one plays downstairs with your Yoga buddy friend. There are also adult Yoga classes on the stunning Garway Hill on Monday evenings 7-8.40 pm, Belmont Community Centre Tuesday and Wednesdays 11.30-12.30pm and The Kindle Centre Thursdays 9-10 am which is an early session and ideal for parents. Our approach to Yoga also suits over sixties and those with physical disabilities so, whether you are a babe in arms or a pensioner, all your health and fitness needs are catered for. Contact Dorothy on 01981 580 453/07805 051021 or Uta 07412 115200 or email dorothyopentheatre@live.co.uk

July – August 2014

Why not try our…

Tropical Fruit Fool

Serves 4 2 medium ripe mangoes 3 ripe passion fruits, halved 500g tub 0% fat Greek yoghurt 1 lime, juice and zest Peel the mangoes and slice the cheeks off. Cut one cheek into small dice and set aside. Put the remaining mango flesh into a liquidiser, and blend to a puree. Transfer to a bowl and stir through the seeds from 2 of the passion fruit. Add lime juice to taste.

Put the yoghurt into another bowl and and beat gently to soften.

Gently fold through the passion fruit and mango mixture plus about half of the diced mango, leaving it rippled.

Divide the mixture between 4 glasses, and top with the remaining diced mango. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

To serve, scoop the seeds from the remaining passion fruit and drizzle over the top of the fools then sprinkle over a little lime zest. Serve immediately.

Start your journey today and visit www.weightwatcherslocal.co.uk

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3 Hereford & Worcester

Ed’s Reading Room To advertise in

Hi kids, parents, grandparents, teachers – and book lovers everywhere! I’m Ed and here is my Summer book selection for you to enjoy. The books are all available online and from good bookstores. Ed’s Reading Room is an exciting free online book and story club for primary children in homes and schools. www.edontheweb.com.

FOR AGES 7 YEARS PLUS

magazine and online...

Scam on the Cam

by Clementine Beauvais

Please email editor@ familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk or call 01386 791422 for more information.

A unique combination of original poetry & illustrations for children or just the young at heart

By Penny Turner www.penny-turner.co.uk

Ideal for children’s rooms, nurseries or gifts – Fine art prints, greetings cards & gift ideas

(Hodder £6.99)

FOR AGES 5-7 YEARS Humphrey’s Tiny Tales: My Really Wheely Racing Day! by Betty G Birney (Faber £3.99) ED SAYS: ‘Humphrey has lots of friends in Room 26 where he is the class hamster but he is delighted to make a new pal Winky.

When he sees Winky’s new hamster racing car he thinks it is unsqueakably wonderful and decides he wants a set of wheels of his own. At school a hamster race is set up and Humphrey practises hard but when his car rolls against a wooden block will he be able to zoom across the finishing line first?

Traditional Old Fashioned Sweet Shop Sweets • Gifts • Pocket Money Toys & more

Party Bags to order – choose from a large range of sweets & pocket money toys.

10+ party bags = free party bag for birthday child

27 Broad Street, Pershore 01386 553262 www.sweettraditions.co.uk

‘Here is another FUN-FUN-FUN story in this super series for young readers who can enjoy Humphrey’s latest adventure reading on their own or reading together.’

Superhero School: The Revenge of the Green Meanie by Alan MacDonald (Bloomsbury £4.99)

ED SAYS: ‘Sesame Seade has reason to be suspicious about the strange goings-on by the river. She is rather half-hearted about being part of a rowing crew herself but she becomes very interested in certain events in the build-up to the Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge. When the Cambridge crew go down one by one with a mysterious bug it’s time for Sesame to get into supersleuth mode.

‘This is a brilliantly written hilarious story peppered with super illustrations.

Sesame is a fantastic character and a very smart heroine.’

SWARM: Operation Sting

by Simon Cheshire (Stripes £5.99) ED SAYS: ‘The Secret Intelligence Agency’s new weapon SWARM is set on a mission.

The robotic bugs working as undercover agents are put into action to locate a stolen device that has the power to wreak havoc on the world’s electronic communications. Will SWARM be able to recover the device before the encryption code is cracked and the villains have their evil way?

‘This is an action-packed page-turner of a book by this fantastic writer. It is the first book in this adventure series featuring robot technology.’

ED SAYS: ‘Stan Button knows that to be a superhero like Captain Courageous he must practise his surprise attack moves.

When he is offered a place at Mighty High School he is over the moon but also flabbergasted as he is not sure he has any superhero characteristics yet. The evil and dangerous Green Meanie soon starts to stalk the school corridors – time for Stan and his pals to concoct a cunning plan to overcome this supervillain!

‘This is a laugh out loud tale for boys and girls alike. If you enjoy it as much as I did, look out for other books by this superfunny author.’

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 are very welcome to contact Maggie on 01753 730019 or by email at maggiehumphreys@aol.com.

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July – August 2014

Chores for children Have a family plan for everyday household tasks and you will teach your children a great life lesson. Chores help children learn responsibility, and sharing chores gives you help around the house. Not sure your children will go for it? Turn it into a game when they are young, a way to earn stars and later credits when they are older (and since you ask, no, we don’t think children should get paid to help you around the house!)

Toddler (ages 2-3) n pick up/put away toys n unload the dishwasher, especially cutlery, plastic cups and Tupperware n dust (little ones love a feather duster!) n collect dirty clothes and put them in the hamper n help move clothes from washer to dryer n put clothes away n make their bed n wipe down cupboards, cabinets and skirting boards with soapy water.

This one can get messy but it’s lots of fun!

n match socks. This can easily be turned into a fun game! n fold simple clothes or tea towels n water indoor plants n feed pets Why not try rewarding younger children for doing their chores, at least when you first introduce them?

For older children chores can become a normal part of their day.

Ages 6-8

n All the above plus: n help prepare meals, wash vegetables, simple cutting At this age, it is more about n wipe counter tops and kitchen units ‘helping mum’ and having fun than chores! n hang up laundry n sweep Pre-schooler n vacuum n fold clothes (ages 4-5) n clean microwave n All the above plus: n rake leaves n load the dishwasher n take out the recycling As the chores get more n lay the table complex and timen clear the table consuming, mix them up n wash dishes (with with simpler ones from the supervision) younger age groups so it n wipe out bathroom sinks doesn’t become too onerous

July – August 2014

Ages 9-11 n All the above plus: n make simple meals n clean the loo (they’ll love this one!) n mop floors

Ages 12-14 n All the above plus: n clean the bathroom n make full meals including a meal plan n clean out the fridge and freezer n mow the lawn

n supervise younger children’s chores – a great time to get bossy themselves!

Do take into account your own child’s maturity and capabilities when giving them chores. Some children may be able to tackle many more than others – and some will certainly complain more than others!

Good luck!

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Education Editor’s Reviews

by Karen Craven

I receive some lovely books to review so here are a few to keep children reading over the Summer Holidays and beyond.

Sytchampton Endowed First School (Primary status from September 2015 offering education from 4 – 11 years)

We are a village first school with a strong family ethos. We can offer you enthusiastic and dedicated staff, a spacious rural environment, excellent facilities with an emphasis on each individual child. We are situated on the A449 between Worcester and Kidderminster. Our future offer means we can continue to feed into the 3 tier system and the Droitwich Middle Schools from September 2015 as well as into the 2 tier secondary system in Worcester or to Stourport High School from September 2017.

Places available in most year groups.

To make an appointment to visit us and meet our Headteacher and friendly staff please telephone us on 01905 620418 or email office@sytchamptonfirst.worcs.sch.uk

On Monday I lost my Rabbit is a beautifully illustrated story of loss and the joy of finding four well-loved toys. Author Victoria Cullen said: “I have tried where possible to make the story accessible to all as well as encouraging the development of early reading skills, and most importantly be a book that can be enjoyed again and again”. The story has a strong educational basis and includes 16 of the first 100 high frequency words. www.victoriastory.com.

Available from www.amazon.co.uk Say it Like a Snake was created by Simon Morse, a children’s author and illustrator from Malvern, and his wife who is a speech and language therapist. It is very common for young children to struggle with the sound ‘S’ and the book tells the story of Sue who suffers with this problem and demonstrates in a fun way how this issue can be addressed.

Available from www.amazon.co.uk or www.tiapublishing.co.uk.

HHHHH Hesperus Press, an independent London-based publisher, has recently launched some children’s classics imprint. These are classic stories with enduring appeal for children aged 9+ but also popular with adults who remember them from when they were young.

Puck of Pooks Hill by Rudyard Kipling When Una and Dan unwittingly summon the elf Puck they are taken on a fantastic journey through Britain’s past, meeting an array of fascinating characters including a Saxon warrior, a Norman knight and Sir Richard.

The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain The classic tale of role reversal that has been adapted by many television programmes and films such as Blackadder, the Olsen twins film It Takes Two and more recently Sasha Baron Cohen’s The Dictator.

Other books include Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter (foreword by Anne Fine), The Story of the Treasure Seekers by E. Nesbit (Foreword by Julia Donaldson) and The Children of the New Forest

by Frederick Marryat (Foreword by Michael Rosen).

Available from www.hesperuspress.com HHHHH Puffin Books are launching a new series of twenty timeless and unforgettable stories with beautiful new cover designs brought to life for a new generation of readers to discover.

From Charlotte’s Web to Goodnight Mister Tom, Watership Down to Tarka the Otter, these treasured children’s books have all stood the test of time, remaining as relevant and resonant today as when first published.

Available from www.puffin.co.uk

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July – August 2014

Education And if they want a break from reading then I can thoroughly recommend these new games that my son and I have tried out.

Pirate Adventure Dice – Roll the beautifully illustrated wooden dice with pictures of pirates, treasure chests, parrots and more to revive the art of storytelling to create swashbuckling adventures. The small portable box is ideal for on the move ie holidays and for car/ plane/train journeys etc.

Avoncroft Museum: England’s first open-air museum Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings near Bromsgrove is an award-winning museum that spans 700 years of Midlands’ heritage. There is loads for families to see and do during the school summer holidays, come along and see us!

Our collection includes 30 buildings and throughout the holidays there will be costumed characters on site to tell visitors all about their life in times gone by. Avoncroft is also home to the National Telephone Kiosk Collection (with a blue police box that will look very familiar to any fans of the BBC’s “Doctor Who”) and a 19th century windmill.

The Museum has a lively programme of events and activities including “Mud, Sticks & Bricks”, where families can learn and practise heritage building techniques. Make your own wattle and daub, used for over 6,000 years and still an important construction method in parts of the world today, or make your own bricks. Relax in our award-winning Edwardian Tea Room or bring a picnic to enjoy in our beautiful grounds.

Avoncroft Museum is south of Bromsgrove, just off the A38 and is located within easy reach of the M5, M40 and M42 and has ample free parking.

More details can be found at: www.avoncroft.org.uk

DIY Board Games – allows kids to customise, create and decorate five beautiful games (Snakes and Ladders, Draughts, Backgammon, Game of the Goose and Ludo) for the whole family to enjoy.

Available from www.laurenceking.com

July – August 2014

Labels4Kids is expecting a very busy Summer so remember

to order early to guarantee a quick turnaround in time for school. Your ordering process will be much faster and smoother this year. Not only can you design your vinyl order on screen now but postage is free for £20 or more, and they have a 100% money back guarantee if you have any problems with your labels. Labels4Kids offers such a large, tried and tested amount of labels that there is something for everyone. www.labels4kids.com/fam

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Education

Internet Safety crirez@stock.xchng

If your child is the family tech whizz kid that’s jolly useful, but just what are they getting up to online when they log onto your PC, tablet or their own smart phone?

By Allen Scott Don’t forget their smart phones and tablets Most children have access to these devices now and the way they use them is no different from a computer, so they need to be protected too. Mobile security software is downloaded as an app or will come as part of the security software package you buy for your computer. Set up parental controls on these devices, just as you would for your computer.

It is wise to set up a password for your children’s devices, so that they must come to you before downloading any app or in-app purchase. This will also mean you’ll avoid a nasty shock when the bill arrives.

Remember, the internet is amazing! Your children just need a guiding hand to ensure they enjoy it safely.

More information: For more advice on family protection, visit safeandsavvy.f-secure.com/

M

any of us rely on built-in, traditional or free software which doesn’t have social networking and parental controls. Without these additional features, parents are leaving their children open to all that is bad about the internet.

Allen Scott, MD of security experts F-Secure said: “We understand that many people are a bit lost when it comes to online protection, which is why we’ve compiled advice to give some guidance.”

Set up user accounts for each member of the family This will allow you to tweak the parental controls for each of your children. For example, blocking chat rooms and forums for young children, but allowing them for your teenagers. You can also use these controls to set ‘homework time’ for older children, which will block them from visiting any sites which are not deemed educational during your specified hours.

White list sites for young children Many young children enjoy using the internet, but they only want to view the same few sites over and over, such as CBeebies. Using the white list function, add in all the websites you are happy for them to view and block the rest. This way, they won’t stumble upon something which is not appropriate for their age.

Have ‘the talk’ before letting your teenagers join social networking sites You need to set rules before letting your children enjoy social networking sites such as Facebook and Instagram. Every child is different, so this must come from you. Some parents want access to their child’s account, so they can check up on them at any time. Be warned, this can lead to your child setting up a second account in a different name. It is a good idea to only allow them to be ‘friends’ with people they know in real life though.

Whatever your approach, help them set up their account with privacy restrictions, so their profile is not public. Go to https://www.facebook.com/FSecureSafeProfile, click ‘use now’, then log in to test their Facebook profile. It will show what is public and explain how to change the settings accordingly.

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Teenagers online Today’s teenagers are the first generation to have grown up with the web in their lives and for them and us as parents, learning how to manage the way they present themselves online is an essential life skill. Do you know what steps you can take to help your teenagers create the online CV and presence employers and admissions tutors are increasingly looking for?

Leading UK online reputation management experts Igniyte offer practical support in areas like employment, university admissions, privacy and identity. They have launched A Guide to Managing Your Teenager’s Personal Information Online, which takes a closer look at all things digital and offers practical support in areas like employment, university admissions, privacy and identity.

You can understand how your teenager is presenting themselves online by following these key steps: • Search for your teenager’s name online, along with their home town, school or club, and see what appears. If any of their social media posts show up in the searches, advise them to change their privacy settings to ‘friends’ only • Assess the different types of devices your teenager has access to, for example games consoles, computers, laptops, tablets, mobile phones and web cams, and ensure these are securely managed • Know which social networking sites your teenager is using, for example Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and online chat, and help them optimise privacy and security settings • Igniyte’s free e-book aims to answer parents’ questions and more – providing easily accessible, expert advice for parents and youngsters.

For a copy, go to www.igniyte.co.uk and click the ‘Download our free guides’ tab.

July – August 2014

Education

An active life leads to a healthy life, it’s not rocket science As a PE teacher since 1986 and with over 20 years’ experience delivering physical activities to young children, it’s fair to say I’ve seen some PE trends come and go. From the ‘school of hard knocks’ approach that saw kids doing cross country in shorts and t-shirts while snow lay on the ground to the pendulum swinging right back to the point that sports day races were banned for fear of upsetting the children that didn’t win.

Too much political correctness in sport Some things have improved over time – cross country in subzero temperatures can be done in sleeved shirts and long trousers. But, sadly, there’s still a school of thought that says asking kids to compete and vie for victory is somehow wrong.

This brings me to a survey conducted with 8 to 16 years olds recently by Marylebone Cricket Club and Chance to Shine, suggesting the majority of children would be happy to see the competitive element removed from school sport.

Perhaps the politically correct don’t want to hurt the less able children’s feelings or they don’t want to heap the pressure of expectation on such young shoulders. However, they DO want to see children succeed in sport, rise through the ranks and represent our country at international levels. Sorry, but you can’t have it both ways: elite athletes need to learn how to compete, what it feels like to win and, more importantly, what it feels like to lose. Children need goals and targets. They need to be encouraged to push further and try harder to realise their potential; these are not just skills for competition in school sport, they are skills for life.

Why competing is important Furthermore, competition should not be driven through sport alone and it is the mistake we all make. It’s about driving competition, fun engaging activities, so they will be inclusive to all rather than the 1/3 children in school that play school sport.

Maybe if we get more children engaged in physical activity, we will have more athletes representing our National Governing Bodies at tournaments and events in the future.

And there’s no harm in doing that – provided the goals are realistic, the child is engaged and the support structure is in place to catch them when they fall or fail which is bound to happen, as in many things in life, when they strive to succeed.

I’ve long suspected that these anti-competitive decisions are made by adults deciding what children want. What we should actually be doing is asking the children whether they like to compete and strive, and the key to this is engaging kids at a much earlier age in the benefits of physical activity. Fit For Sport did just that as part of our ‘Engage to Compete’ primary schools programme with Sport England last year. And the answers were revealing.

July – August 2014

© Abby Wilkes www.abbywilkes.com

By Dean Horridge, CEO, Fit For Sport.

The children themselves relish a challenge After taking part in our fun, active pilot, we specifically asked children aged 4 to 11 how competition made them feel. The responses were overwhelmingly positive with the vast majority of children stating that competition made them feel, happy, excited, strong and confident as opposed to nervous, afraid, weak or worried. And when we asked them outright if they liked taking part in competitions, 2836 said yes; 257 said no and 206 were not sure. Put it another way, that’s 86% of children that like taking part in competitions, once they are engaged in physical activity at a younger age.

This figure speaks for itself. And our children should be able to do the same. Not only should they be able to speak, teachers should be able to act on what they hear.

I also think people forget that it’s not just about being active in school, it’s about being an active family. Kids learn so many of their traits from their parents, why should physical activity just be about what kids do in school?

It’s so important that family time does not just amount to just watching TV together, or having dinner together or going out or going to the shops. Equally important is being active as a family, parents have just as much responsibility if not a lot more than schools to ensure their kids are eating right, learning to live a healthy lifestyle and engaging in fun activity as a family unit.

This is what I do with my family and I would hope other parents do the same with theirs, a child can do great things at school but if they just go back home to an environment which is not geared towards being an active family, much of the positive engagement gets lost in a play-station, or the TV or social media on a smart-phone. Small sustainable steps to an active family should always be a priority for parents.

After all, an active family will lead to a healthy family and surely that is something to strive for in life, for a parent and a child who will eventually become one?

For more information about what Fit For Sport, The Voice of Kids, go to: www.fitforsport.co.uk www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

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Ping! Time to unplug and reconnect with your family

Joanna Moorhead has some ideas on how to do it Summer is a great time to enjoy being together with your nearest and dearest. But for many families these days, even together time is dominated by mobiles phones, iPads, TV and other devices. According to a recent survey, though, even kids themselves recognise the need to unplug and welcome the chance to ‘do something different’. Here are our top 20 ideas for what that ‘something different’ might be.

Play a board game: this sounds so simple you can’t quite believe I’m recommending it! But a game like Monopoly or Cluedo, which children can play from a young age or can play in teams, is a genuinely bonding experience.

Put those mobile phones and other devices way out of reach – yes, parents too – and concentrate on the game. And on one another.

2. Build a den: whether you do this indoors or in the garden, or out in the woods or on the beach, you’ll have loads of fun. Joint tasks like making a den together bring out team-working skills and help you see one another’s hidden strengths. Once the den is built, do something wacky like having tea in it.

3. Go fruit picking: not only will you have a good time picking your favourite fruits and discovering new ones, you’ll also be setting up your next family project which will be making jams and chutneys or just a massive fruit salad to see you through the next few days.

4. Sleep under canvas: if you’re regular campers this one may be a bit too boring – but for families that haven’t camped before, even one night away can be a huge adventure. Alternatively, if you’ve a big enough garden and can borrow a tent from someone, just pitch it outside the back door on a warm evening and dig out your sleeping bags.

5. Cook on a campfire: this is a perfect add-on to your camping adventure.

Get advice online about how to build your fire and what foods are best to cook on it (sausages, haloumi cheese, peppers, burgers are all easy peasy).

6.

G o on a long bike ride: if you’ve all got your own bikes you probably do this all the time. If not, it can be a really fabulous and different day out to hire bikes and follow a cycle trail.

7.

Go wild swimming: swimming in a pond or lake, or in Would you like to fit work around your children, the sea, is a very different experience from an indoor pool. Children love it, and there are plenty of websites rather than fit children around work? packed with ideas: but do check the one you’re heading Would you like an extra income, for is family friendly.

OR new, flexible career with full, on going training and support, 8.

R eorganise your family photographs: these days, working part time, from home? many families’ photographs remain in online galleries. They • Are you tired of having to book holiday can be a great way of sharing pictures with relatives and from work, and await it being approved, to friends – but there’s a huge amount of fun to be had from enjoy precious moments with your child at school events, and during the school holidays? creating an old fashioned album together, when you relive • Do you worry about taking time off work to past fun and remember what you enjoy most as a family. look after your child when school is closed or 9.

Borrow a dog for a weekend: if you have your own they are ill? dog, this isn’t for you. But if you’re not a dog-owning If you’re looking for a business that actually fits around your children and current job commitments, with incomes from £200 - £2000+ a month then contact Lucie family, having one on loan for a few days can be a hugely for further information today on 0781 7491497 or email: ljkkey@btinternet.com. rewarding experience. See www.borrowmydoggy.com

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Hereford & Worcester

1.

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

July – August 2014

10. Climb a big hill: this can be a mountain or a fairly small hill, depending on how old your children are. Enjoy helping one another to make the climb; your reward is the view from the top, and the picnic lunch you have up there!

11. Go fishing: you can do this with a net in the rock pools at the beach, or in a stream or river inland.

12. Have a snail race: find some snails, and set up the course; place bets on which snail will win, and watch the action unfold.

13. Go star-gazing: find a place where the sky is open, ideally away from too many artificial lights; do some research beforehand so you know what to look for, and when you get a clear evening, head off in search of the North Pole, Saturn and the Plough. Take a blanket with you so everyone can lie down and look up, which makes it more relaxing.

14. Hunt for treasure or bones: beaches can be great places for this, or look online to see if there are any ‘treasure troves’ near you (eg if you’re in London, mudraking on the banks of the Thames has plenty of potential).

15. Go geocaching: ok, so this is one activity you will need your mobile phone for. But the high-tech treasure hunt is fascinating, and it pulls all members of the family in. Try it!

More information at http://www.geocaching.com/.

16. Switch roles in the kitchen: if you’re usually the mealmaker, and the children are usually the table-setters, do things the other way round. Let the children plan, shop for and prepare the meal (depending on their ages, they may need some help) while you put together an excitingly-laid table.

It’s always good in a family to do things a different way round…everyone learns, and there’s plenty of fun to be had.

17. Have a family talent show: this is a good one when you have another family or relatives visiting. Everyone has to do a turn; no wriggling out allowed, however shy the mums and dads are. Allow time for rehearsing, and have one person double up as a compere. Reciting a poem, singing a song, doing a mime, dancing, playing an instrument… everyone has a talent to share.

18. Make a family journal or scrap book: this can be a good project for a fixed amount of time, like a family holiday or a school holiday. Like a talent show, everyone needs to contribute something. Theme the book to the holiday you’re on or the season you’re in, and invite ideas on descriptions of where you are, reviews of local pubs or restaurants, accounts of days out or activities, book reviews or accounts of favourite ways to spend time together as a family. Writers can write, artists can draw.

You’ll keep this book forever; it will be a snapshot of your family in a certain place, at a certain time.

19. Fly a kite: they’re cheap and easy to buy, or you can even make your own. Read up on tips about how to fly them (www.thekitesociety.org); or if you’re really challenged and doubtful about your skills, seek out a master kiteflyer to help you learn (google kite flying lessons in your area).

There’s nothing better than seeing your kite soar into the air, knowing you’ve pulled together as a family to make it happen.

20. Go birdwatching: you don’t need to know anything about birds to enjoy watching them, but if you go to a birdwatching sanctuary or wetlands centre you’ll learn loads. Being in a shelter makes birdwatching more fun and should in theory mean you see more interesting birds. Take your binoculars, and get the children to draw pictures of the birds they see. For more information see www.wwt.org.uk July – August 2014

Summer Events at the Forge Mill Needle Museum 23rd July to 1st September Robots, Cyborgs and Androids Exhibition

Get up close and personal to metallic stars from TV and film

Wednesday 30th July Robot Building Workshop

Booking in advance is essential

Forge Mill Needle Museum, Needlemill Lane, Riverside, Redditch, B98 8HY Tel: 01527 62509

Sunday 3rd August Day of the Daleks Monday 18th to Thursday 21st August Summer Holiday Activity Days Booking in advance is essential

Sunday 31st August Robot Wars

Please see website for more details www.forgemill.org.uk www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

11 Hereford & Worcester

Summer Workshops and Holiday Clubs ART, DANCE, DRAMA AND MUSIC All Sorts of Performing Arts, Worcester Street and pop dance, musical theatre, performing arts and cheerleading workshops for ages 6 – 12 and 8-10 years at Worcester Arts Workshop and Nunnery Wood Leisure Centre www.allsorts-pa.info

Artrix, Bromsgrove A real variety of workshops for children aged 6-9 & 10-17 years old including Artrix Youth Theatre – be part of a brand new Rock Musical production, creative dance, graffiti workshop, decopatch, textile wall hanging, junk instrument making. 01527 577330 www.artrix.co.uk

Breakthru Youth Theatre Company, Pershore Creative Drama Workshops including improvisation, scriptwork and maskmaking at Wulstan Hall in Pershore.

01386 641779 or 07990 815428

Music & Theatre Experience, Droitwich and Worcester Performing arts courses for children 5-11 and 12-16 years at RGS Springfield, Worcester and Norbury Theatre, Droitwich.

07787 346633 www.mtexperience.co.uk

Number 8, Pershore

Helping little children make their mark Here at Heritage we are helping little children make their mark. We watch our toddlers playing imaginatively in all sorts of situations and we use this imaginative play to encourage them to write. We put some sneaky things around to encourage them to scribble, ‘mark make’ or simply pretend to write. This is the stage before actually writing proper words but it sets the pattern for the future and they don’t realise they are doing it. They take orders at the café, make appointments at the doctor’s, order bricks for their building site or make labels for their plants in the garden. Even the pirates count their gold and make maps! All the time we are giving them the idea that writing is an important part of play – ie important in life – and the earlier the better. We know that there is concern that some children, especially boys, don’t show enough interest in writing and end up falling behind by the end of their primary school. We also know that it is vital to encourage positive attitudes to writing from the earliest stage, so we start as early as we can. We also use the times when children are playing to use signs and logos. We slip in the ‘way in’, ‘pay here’, ‘Poppy’s café’, ‘shop open’ and ‘Sam’s pirate ship – no entry’. We provide many of them with Writing Belts so that they have the writing essentials to hand. We encourage numbered seats for their bus or puppet theatre, help them write a café menu and table numbers, and of course there are always the traffic signs like ‘danger – workers in the road’, ‘take care’ and ’this way in’ Even if they don’t actually understand the words, they will get the message.

Writing comes more easily when you have something to say, it is also the way other people send a message to you. Children will copy parents / grown-ups. Do you make lists? Do you have signs and messages around?

Do you point out the signs and symbols when you are out shopping or walking? Are there places where you could put a sign or two? From about 2½ little children become more aware of their world. They see symbols outside shops and it doesn’t take long to recognise the difference between the ’M’s outside McDonalds and Morrisons .

So, whatever you are doing during the sunny summer months, think ‘writing’ for your toddlers. Add a little something to their play and games, encourage them to take a message or write a label, help them by showing that you value what they have written, help them to ‘make their mark’ even at this early stage.

For more information about Heritage Writing Belts see our website or contact us.

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Hereford & Worcester

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

Themed Theatre workshops for children aged 8-18 years including devising, scripting, staging and performing a play in a day. Also workshops for young people aged 9-16 years with learning disabilities 01386 555488 www.number8.org.uk

Stagecoach, Kidderminster A week long workshop including a performance with singing, dancing and acting in August for children aged 6-17 years.

01562 66194 www.stagecoach.co.uk/kidderminster

Swan Youth Theatre, Worcester Summer theatre and performance workshop for a week in August for Juniors (Years 1-4), Intermediates (Years 5-9) and Seniors (Years 9-13). 01905 726969 www.swanyouththeatre.co.uk

The Courtyard Theatre, Hereford A variety of themed fun drama and arts workshops for ages 4-8, 7-12 and 10-16 years. 01432 340555 www.courtyard.org.uk

COOKERY Red Hen, Worcester Kids Cookery clubs in August for children aged 5-14 yrs in Worcester. 01905 422997 www.redhencookery.co.uk

MULTI – ACTIVITY HOLIDAY CLUBS AND WORKSHOPS Aztec Watersports, Lower Moor, Pershore Multi-activity courses in the Summer holidays including Windsurfing, Kayaking, Sailing, Canoeing, Raft Building, Archery, Climbing and more for children aged 8-15 yr olds (older and younger children may be eligible on certain days). 01386 860013 www.aztecwatersports.com

Blackwell Adventure, Bromsgrove School holiday get out club open to children 8-15 yr olds – a full day of adventure with a wide range of activities.

0121 445 1285 www.blackwelladventure.co.uk July – August 2014

Bowbrook House School, Peopleton, Nr Pershore Summer School running for 5 weeks for children 4-12 years. Many activities including bouncy castles, motor quads, outdoor swimming pool, lego, rounders, tennis, party games, video making, motorbikes. 01905 841242 www.bowbrookhouseschool.co.uk

Bromsgrove School, Bromsgrove

Fun sports and craft-based activity day camps including Badminton, Basketball, Cookery, Cricket, Dance, Drama, Football, Hockey, Mad Science, Martial Arts, Netball, Photography, Mosaic, Pottery, Swimming, Tennis for 8 – 15 year olds. 01527 579679 ext 347 www.bromsgrove-international-summerschool.com

D C Leisure Centres A multitude of Junior Holiday Activities for ages 2-7 yrs (Kraft Club) inc soft play, themed craft activities, bouncy castle, toys and games and 8-13 yrs (Day Camp) inc organised sports, swimming and craft sessions at Wyre Forest Glades Kidderminster Leisure Centres. 01562 515151 www.dcleisurecentres.co.uk

Chessgrove Swim

Halo Leisure Varied summer holiday activities at sports centres in Hereford, Bromyard, Ledbury, Ross and Leominster plus a tailored programme of activities for children 3-12 year olds.

0300 012 1222 www.haloleisure.co.uk

King’s St Albans, Worcester Summer Club offers a wide variety of sporting, educational and recreational activities and is open to children aged 4-13 years.

01905 354906 www.ksw.org.uk/stalbans/holidayclub

Learn to Swim Courses

These are intensive courses with a 45 minute lesson on 3 consecutive days that take place during the school holidays. They are suitable for beginners from 3 years+. Teachers are in the water and we keep class sizes small.

Private lessons

School Sum H o use me k o r £100 for a full week o r b (Concessions and single days available) Cam w p Runs for 5 weeks beginning on Bo Monday 21st July – Monday to Friday, 9.30am – 4.30pm.

Many activities including bouncy castles, motor quads, outdoor swimming pool to name but a few.

Acres of space and safe fun for all.

Visit www.bowbrookhouseschool.co.uk for a brochure and further details or contact the school office on: 01905 841242 G

2 rea 4-1 t fun for children aged

July – August 2014

A chance to practise skills without any distractions, improve technique or to build confidence on a one to one basis.

Weekly swimming lessons for all ages are also available throughout the year.

01527 821978

info@chessgroveswim.co.uk www.chessgroveswim.co.uk Chessgrove Swim, Ditchford Bank Road Hanbury, Bromsgrove B60 4HS www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

13 Hereford & Worcester

Summer Workshops and Holiday Clubs continued…

KO Sport, Peopleton nr Pershore Holiday Clubs for children aged 5-14 years including sports and games, roller skating, dance, inflatable fun, craft and cooking at Peopleton village hall, nr Pershore WR10 2EG. 01905 840396 www.kosport.co.uk

Malvern Special Families, Malvern and Worcester Holiday Clubs for children 5-19 yrs with special needs inc arts and crafts, sensory and messy play, soft play, animal therapy, music sessions, food activities, sports, parachute games, bouncy castles.

01684 892526 www.malvernspecialfamilies.org.uk

Sports Challenge, Droitwich, Evesham and Pershore Multi-sports and activity holiday camps at Droitwich, Evesham and Pershore Leisure Centres for children aged 5-14 yrs.

01386 300726 www.sportschallenge.org.uk

Girls Pamper Parties! Age 3+ Dressing up, Nail art, Karaoke, Jewellery and magic wand making, Foot spas, Chocolate fountains and more!! Very competitive prices.

Contact the pamper fairy to get a party tailored to you!

www.glitzngiggles.co.uk

07817704933

FAMILY YOGA Uplifting and inspiring yoga for all the family

Super Camps, Malvern Multi-Activity Camps for children aged 6-16 in the summer holidays at Malvern College including cultural cooking, arts and crafts and multi sport activities.

01235 467300 www.supercamps.co.uk

Zig Zag coaching, Malvern and Worcester Multi-sports holiday courses offer a variety of sports and activities inc football, tennis, arts and crafts and goalkeeping, gymnastics with dance, multi-sports and lots more. Zig Zag Zoomers for children aged 5-8 and Zig Zag StylerZ for children aged 9-14 years.

07510 990969 www.zigzagcoaching.co.uk

SPORTS CRICKET TSR Summer Cricket Coaching Academies, Bromsgrove and Barnt Green Mini’s: 5-6yrs. Softball sessions consist of numerous FUNdamental activities and games, to develop basic movement and co-ordination skills, as well as the introduction of simple techniques for cricket.

Cricket Academy Courses: 7-14yrs.

Summer academies led by TSR Coaches providing an ideal opportunity for young cricketers to practice, learn and enjoy all formats of the game. 07748 337 879 www.tsrcricketcoaching.com

FOOTBALL Football First, Worcester Safe, fun football coaching for boys and girls aged 4-13 years by primary school teachers held at RGS The Grange, Worcester.

07825 772031/07971 791939 www.footballfirst2002.com Don’t forget to mention when you telephone that you saw the listings in Families Hereford and Worcester magazine

FootieBugs, Bromsgrove and Worcester FootieBugs offers your child an action packed, FUN week(s) of football during the school holidays.

Camps are open to children from 5-11 years and are full of fun games and activities, with each week ending with a World Cup competition Day and the chance to win trophies and medals!

All children will receive a certificate for taking part.

You can relax in the knowledge that all coaches have an enhanced police check, FA qualification and insurance and are passionate about coaching children!

For more information or to book a place, please contact Dean or Cherylin on 0845 863 0698 Worcestershire@footiebugs.com www.footiebugs.com/worcester

TENNIS Pershore Tennis Club Fun holiday Tennis Camps indoors and outdoors for all ages and abilities for children aged 5-11 yrs and 12-18 yrs.

01386 556677 www.pershoretennis.co.uk

Tennis Hereford Tennis and multi-sports holiday camps at Hereford Cathedral School, Hereford Whitecross and Eardisley clubs for children 4-15 yrs. 07971 182664 www.tennishereford.co.uk

Worcester Tennis Academy, Worcester, Kempsey and Hallow The courses aim to help players improve their tennis in a fun environment. This will be done through technical and tactical coaching as well as competitive play. Fun tournaments will be held every Friday on every course. Prizes and other awards will be available on the last day of the course for children 4-16 years. 07831 718775 www.worcestertennis.co.uk.

Mon – Thurs mornings at the Kindle Centre and Belmont Community Centre, Hereford Pregnancy, parent and toddler, parent and adult yoga

Yoga retreat weekend in July 2014

Call Dorothy on 01981 580453 or 07805 051021 to book Email dorothyopentheatre@live.co.uk

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Hereford & Worcester

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

July – August 2014

© Jasmin Merdan - Fotolia.com

If you would like to advertise your clubs/classes in the Sep/Oct issue of Families Hereford and Worcester and reach 44,000 parents then please get in touch either by email editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk or tel 01386 791422.

Big Dance Week events throughout the West Midlands

5-13 July

• Mini Movers • Dance Clubs • Youth Dance • Contemporary • Urban Dance • Choreography • After school clubs

dancefest.co.uk

01905 611199

We can also offer you a free listing in the Clubs/Classes section of www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk if you take out a series of adverts.

Copy deadline is Friday 1st August.

Fun filled parties: Age 4-12’s: Football High energy dance Multi Games

All parties can be themed

Big Dance Week 5-13 July

01905 840396 or

The nationwide initiative to encourage everyone to dance.

Dancefest, Dancefest, the dance development organisation for Herefordshire and Worcestershire, was appointed the Big Dance Hub organisation for the West Midlands for the first time this year and has been working with colleagues 2Faced Dance Company, DanceXchange, Coventry Performing Arts Service, Black Country Dance Hub led by Dudley Performing Arts, Staffordshire County Council, Shropshire Council and Telford and Wrekin Council to create Sightseers, a co commission with the Foundation for Community Dance for Big Dance Weekend 2014.

Sightseers are seven different but unified performances, inspired by initial workshops with David McKenna, Artistic Director of Beingfrank Physical Theatre and which take place in Birmingham, Malvern, Ledbury, Telford, Walsall, Lichfield and Coventry on 12-13 July, as dancers of all ages pop up in a street or field near you, armed with phones, maps, bags, drinks, umbrellas and picnics.

Dancefest is also producing lots of other performances for Big Dance Week, including Accelerate, a youth dance showcase on Saturday 5 July and Worcestershire Dancing, a celebration of dance in local schools on Monday 7 July, both at Artrix, Bromsgrove as part of their New Generation Festival, and Gold Star on Wednesday 9 July at Whitecross Cross High School, a performance by Herefordshire schools, and IN Fused on Friday 11 July, an inclusive performance at The Kindle Centre.

Visit dancefest.co.uk and bigdance.or.uk for more information.

July – August 2014

Age 8-12’s: Roller disco Skates provided Music and Lights

email sales@kosport.co.uk www.kosport.co.uk

Newbridge Farm Park

• • • • •

Tractor Rides Pony Rides Hands on Pet time Indoor Play Barn Outdoor Play and Picnic Areas • Zipwire • Trampolines (indoor and out)

Open Mon-Sat during holidays Open Wed-Sat during term-time Closed Sundays www.newbridgefarmpark.com

01531 670 780 Little Marcle, Nr Ledbury, HR8 2QG

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

15 Hereford & Worcester

What’s On

Please check with the venue in case details have changed and also please note that with some venues, it is cheaper to pay in advance on-line.

Holiday Camps Peopleton Playing Fields/Hall WR10 2EG

July

29th, 30th, 31st.

August

5th, 6th, 7th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 25th, 26th, 27th.

9.00am – 3.30pm.

Suitable for 5-14 yr olds.

Activities include: • Sports & Games • Roller Skating • Dance • Inflatable Fun • Craft & Cooking KO Sport sales@kosport.co.uk or call 01905 840396

THEATRE Artrix, Slideslow Drive, Bromsgrove, B60 1PQ 01527 577330, www.artrix.co.uk Family Friendly Festival Loads of different activities including pottery painting, decopatch, various workshops, graffiti art, family dance, puppet show, storybox theatre. Friday 1st, 8th and 15th August. See website for timings The Energy Show – Science Museum Live The Energy Show is suitable for all ages from 7+ years for Key Stage 2 and 3 students. Tuesday 15th July 7.00 pm and Wednesday 16th July 11.00 am and 7.00 pm £15.00, £12.00 under 16s £48.00 family Evesham Arts Centre Theatre, Victoria Avenue, Evesham, Worcs, WR11 4QH 01386 446944, www.eveshamartscentre.co.uk Let’s Dance An evening of dance from Evesham’s Vale Dance school, showcasing ballet, tap and modern jazz.

Sunday 6th July 6.30 pm £8.00 Tickets from Box Office 01386 443756 Malvern Theatres, Grange Road, Malvern, Worcs, WR14 3HB 01684 892277, www.malvern-theatres.co.uk Peppa Pig’s Big Splash Join Peppa and her friends for an all-singing, alldancing adventure full of songs, games and muddy puddles! Friday 1st August 4.00 pm and Saturday 2nd August 10.00 am, 1.00 pm and 4.00 pm £15.12, £17.36 and £60.48 family Number 8 Community Arts Centre, 8 High Street, Pershore, Worcs, WR10 1BG 01386 555488, www.number8.org.uk Jack and the Beanstalk A fast paced and funny glove puppet show to delight the whole family. Tuesday 19th August 2.30pm £6.00, £5.00 under 16s

Hereford & Worcester

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

Newbridge Play Barn, Little Marcle, Nr Ledbury, HR8 2QG 01531 670780, www.newbridgeplaybarn.com Egg collecting, tractor rides, pony rides, duck feeding, animals, indoor and outdoor play areas, zipwire, trampolines, birthday party venue and much more.

Shortwood Farm, Pencombe, Bromyard, HR7 4RP 01885 400205, www.shortwoodfarm.co.uk Lots of animals, animal feeding, tractor rides, birthday party venue, tea room and much more.

Small breeds Farm Park, Kington, Hereford, HR5 3HF 01544 231109 www.owlcentre.com Owl garden, variety of animals and birds, small animals, tea room.

The Stables Farm Shop and cafe, Astwood Lane, Astwood Bank, Redditch, B96 6PS 01527 894167, www.thestablesfarmshop.co.uk A variety of animals, tractor trailer rides, animal feeding, giant sandpit open at weekend, cafe.

Top Barn Farm Park, Holt Heath, Worcester, WR6 6NH 01905 621954, www.topbarn.co.uk A wide range of animals, outside play area, tractor and trailer tour, animal petting, birthday party venue, egg collecting, sand pit, snack shack, farm shop, maize maze and much more.

GARDEN CENTRES Evesham Country Park, Evesham, WR11 4TP 01386 41661, www.eveshamcountrypark.co.uk

The Sooty Show Join in with all the fun and games at Sooty’s Birthday Party! Sunday 27th July 11.00 am and 2.30 pm £12.00, £10.00 under 16s and £38.00 family ticket

Summer Holiday Activities Themed craft activity days £3.50 per child per activity. Monday 28th, Wednesday 30th July and every Mon, Wed and Fri in August. 11.00 am – 4.00 pm.

FARM PARKS

Little Heath Garden Centre, Lickey End, Bromsgrove, B60 1HY 01527 878174, www. littleheathgardencentre.co.uk

An all-weather attraction with a wide range of animals, a soft play area, outside play area, indoor tractors, animals encounter room, cafe, new barefoot walk, dinosaurs, birthday parties and much more.

A variety of animals, petting area, soft play, pedal tractors, nature trail, cafe and picnic area.

The Courtyard, Edgar Street, Hereford, HR4 9JR 01432 340555, www.courtyard.org.uk

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

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Little Owl Farm Park, Owl Hill Lane, Dunhampton, DY13 9SS 01905 620325, www.littleowlfarmpark.co.uk

Bouncy Castle every weekend from 26th July - 31st August. FREE! Peppa Pig will help you plant your own Tete a Tete bulbs to take home!

Sunday 24th August 11.00 am – 1.00 pm. FREE! Come along and have fun in our Circus Skills Workshop Monday 25th August 11.00 am-3.00 pm. FREE! July – August 2014

Webbs, Worcester Road, Wychbold, Droitwich Spa, WR9 0DG 01527 860000, www.webbsdirect.co.uk Teddy Bear’s Picnic Children can bring their favourite Teddy and enjoy a fun Teddy trail, story session and picnic.

Saturday 12th July Sessions at 11.00am/1.00 pm/3.00 pm £10.00 per child includes a child’s picnic box.

The circus is in town A human cast performing acrobatics, juggling, balancing acts and crazy clowns.

Tuesday 12th – Sunday 17th August 11.00 am/2.00/4.00 pm £5.00

MUSEUMS

Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum, Foregate Street, Worcester, WR1 1DT 01905 25371, www. museumsworcestershire.org.uk Exhibitions: Fancy Pants: A Celebration of Style 1920–1945 Showcasing a fabulous costume collection – glamorous gowns, party pieces and fashion on a ration. Saturday 12th July – Saturday 13th September Sensational Clay Explore ceramics of all shapes and sizes designed to stimulate the senses and each with a secret to discover. Monday 16th June – Saturday 1st November

Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings, Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove, Worcs, B60 4JR 01527 831363, www.avoncroft.org.uk

Worcestershire County Museum, Hartlebury Castle, Hartlebury, Nr Kidderminster, Worcs, DY11 7XZ 01299 250416, www. museumsworcestershire.org.uk

Heroes & Villains:

Summer Funtime – Holiday Activities Craft activities for all the family. Three different crafts every day plus have a go at archery on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Tuesday – Friday throughout August 10.30 am – 4.00 pm £1.00 per child Pirate School Learn how to be a pirate on the good ship Hartlebury.

Bank Holiday Monday 25th August 11.00 am – 5.00 pm

King Arthur Come to Knight School and take part in heroic activities and crafts. Tuesday 29th – Thursday 31st July Robin Hood Join Robin’s Merry Men for archery, crafts and a themed trail.

Tuesday 5th – Thursday 7th August Stand and Deliver! Train to be a highwayman or woman. Tuesday 19th – Thursday 21st August Commandery, 109 Sidbury, Worcester, WR1 2HU 01905 361821, www. museumsworcestershire.org.uk Summer Fiction Fun for children Activities inspired by children’s popular fiction, imaginative craft trails, stories and games. Saturday 26th July – Sunday 24th August 11.00 am – 1.00 pm (excl Sundays) and 2.00 – 4.00 pm £2.00 per child.

Civil War Headquarters Experience the most turbulent day in the Commandery’s history as it changes from family home to Battle HQ. Monday 25th August 10.00 am – 5.00 pm Forge Mill Needle Museum, Needle Mill Lane, Riverside, Redditch, B98 8HY 01527 62509, www.forgemill.org.uk Robots, Cyborgs and Androids Exhibition Get up close & personal to metallic stars from TV and film.

Wednesday 23rd July – Monday 1st September Robot Building Workshops Booking in advance is essential.

Wednesday 30th July Day of the Daleks Sunday 3rd August Summer Holiday Activity Days Booking in advance is essential Monday 18th to Thursday 21st August Robot Wars Sunday 31st August July – August 2014

What’s On

ATTRACTIONS Eastnor Castle, Ledbury, HR8 1RL 01531 633160, www.eastnorcastle.com Treasure Hunt Sunday 20th – Thursday 24th July Bounce & Boing Sunday 27th – Thursday 31st July Flying Potter Join Jon the Flying Potter from Eastnor Pottery to make some fantastic fun creations.

Sunday 3rd – Thursday 7th August George’s Marvellous Medicine Outdoor Theatre Sunday 10th August Exotic Animals Sunday 10th – Thursday 14th August Tales & Scribbles Monday 18th – Thursday 21st August Wildplay Weekend Sunday 24th – Monday 25th August Goodrich Castle, Castle Lane, Goodrich, Ross on Wye, HR9 6HY 01600 3331181, www.english-heritage.org.uk Heroes and Villains Thursday 31st – Friday 1st August Fighting Knights Saturday 2nd – Sunday 3rd August Knights & Princesses Academy Thursday 7th – Friday 8th August Robin Hood Recruits!

Thursday 14th – Friday 15th August Weapons and Warriors Thursday 21st – Friday 22nd August www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

17 Hereford & Worcester

What’s On Hampton Court Castle and Gardens, Hope-under-Dinmore, Leominster, HR6 0PN 01568 797676, www.hamptoncourt.org.uk

Witley Court and Gardens, Worcester Road, Great Witley, Worcester, WR6 6JT 01905 726311, www.english-heritage.org.uk

Eagle and Vulture Flying Spectacular Sunday 20th July

Victorian Playtime Monday 4th – Friday 8th August

Exotic Bird and Animal Encounters with Trevor Hill Wednesday 23rd and Thursday 24th July and Every Wednesday and Thursday in August

Swords and Sabres Monday 11th – Friday 15th August

Aztec Adventure Day Friday 25th July and every Friday in August Chapter House Theatre Jungle Book Tuesday 19th August 6.30 pm 6 horse stampede, jousting show and Birds of Prey Flying Spectacular Sunday 24th – Monday 25th August Severn Valley Railway, Kidderminster Station, Comberton Hill, Kidderminster, DY10 1QX 01299 403816, www.svr.co.uk Peep behind the scenes Saturday 19th July Classic Vehicle Day Sunday 27th July Westons Visitor Centre, The Bounds, Much Marcle, Ledbury, HR9 7NY 01531 660233, www.westons-cider.co.uk Play Park including John Deere pedal tractors, swings, the children’s play farm house plus delightful orchard walk past the orchards and a wildlife pond.

Music in the Park at Westons Spend a lovely summer afternoon enjoying music from live bands. Saturday 23rd August 2.00 – 8.00 pm

Reading, Writing and Rebellion Monday 18th – Friday 22nd August Ugly Bug Safari Monday 25th – Friday 29th August

NATIONAL TRUST 0844 800 1895 www.nationaltrust.org.uk Berrington Hall, nr Leominster, HR6 0DW Tel: 01568 615721 HEREFORD AND LEOMINSTER KITE FESTIVAL Saturday 19th – Sunday 20th July 10.00 am – 4.00 pm DEN BUILDING Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th July 11.00 am – 3.00 pm LAKE DIPPING Mondays 4th, 11th and 18th August 2.00 – 4.00 pm APPRENTICE SERVANTS DAY All Wednesdays in August 12.00 – 4.00 pm MERMAIDS AND PIRATES Thursday 7th August 2.00 – 4.00 pm TEDDY BEAR’S PICNIC Thursday 21st August 2.00 – 4.00 pm BOATING ON THE LAKE Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st August 10.00 am – 3.00 pm

Visit www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk for more things to do and places to see in the Hereford and Worcester area

Brockhampton Estate, Greenfields, Bringsty, Herefordshire, WR6 5TB Tel: 01885 482077 GEOCACHE CHALLENGE Available all year round 10.00 am – 4.00 pm £5.00 hire charge HWAR DOG SHOW The Hereford and Worcester Animal Rescue dog show with classes for all dogs to enter. Pick up dog accessories and treats and make a day of it. Sunday 13th July 11.00 am – 5.00 pm £1.00 per class THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE BROCKHAMPTON SCROLL Join the fellowship, crack the clues and complete the challenges to take home a prize and the much sought after Brockhampton Scroll. Saturday 19th July – Sunday 31st August 10.00 am – 4.00 pm £2.00 per child BUTTERFLIES AND BUGS HUNT Hunt for butterflies, moths and bugs in the wildflower meadow. Identify species using your own spotter sheet and make your own butterfly clip to take home.

Tuesday 5th and Tuesday 26th August 1.30 pm – 4.00 pm £3.00 per child PETER PAN OPEN THEATRE Play set in the magical setting of the moated manor house and gardens at Lower Brockhampton. Saturday 2nd August 6.00 – 8.00 pm Adult £11.43, Child £5.71, Family £38.09 Croft Castle, Yarpole, nr Leominster, HR6 9PW Tel: 01568 780246 MEDIEVAL WEEKEND Saturday 9th – Sunday 10th August 10.00 am – 5.00 pm NATURE RANGERS Every Wednesday 6th – 20th August 10.00 am – 12.30 pm £3.50

Croome Park, Croome D’Abitot, WR8 9DW Tel: 01905 371006 FAMILY ACTIVITY DAYS Various dates and themed activities throughout Summer holidays – see website TEDDY BEAR CATAPULTING Sunday 27th July 11.00 am – 4.00 pm £3.00 per teddy to create cape Hanbury Hall, School Road, Hanbury, Droitwich, WR9 7EA Tel: 01527 821214 FAMILY ACTIVITY DAYS Various dates and themed activities throughout Summer holidays – see website TEDDY BEAR’S PICNIC Sunday 20th July 10.30 am – 4.00 pm

SPECIAL EVENTS, DAYS OUT AND FESTIVALS Worcester Festival Fun for everyone including drama, exhibitions, film, street theatre, live music, workshops and family events, fireworks, festival racing and much more. www.worcesterfestival.co.uk or call 01905 611427.

Saturday 9th – Monday 25th August Pershore Plum Festival Lots of attractions with stalls, Classic cars, Farmers Market, boat trips, arts and crafts, teddy bear zip wire, street and children entertainment. www.pershoreplumfestival.org.uk Saturday 23rd – Monday 25th August Upton upon Severn Sunshine Music Festival Fun family music festival with loads of well known bands plus fun fair, river boat trips, archery, face painting. fireworks finale www.uptonfestival.co.uk Friday 22nd – Sunday 24th August

WARTIME AT CROFT Saturday 23rd – Sunday 24th August 10.00 am – 5.00 pm

WIN a family ticket to The Gruffalo The Gruffalo – the stage adaptation of the much-loved children’s book – is back at the Town Hall, Birmingham, this summer from 12-24 August.

Join Mouse on an adventurous journey through the deep, dark wood in Tall Stories’ musical adaptation of the award-winning picture book by Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

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We have one ticket for a family of four to give away.

The book was voted the nation’s number one bedtime story by BBC Radio 2 listeners, and the live show has been performed all over the world.

Just log on to www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk before July 20; find the competition in our local competitions folder.

Meet a wheeler-dealer Fox, an eccentric old Owl and a maraca-shaking, party mad Snake! Mouse can scare these hungry animals away with tall stories of the terrifying Gruffalo, but what happens when he comes face to face with the very creature he imagined…?

For your chance to win answer this simple question: Who illustrated The Gruffalo? a) Axel Scheffler b) Adam Ant c) Andy Pandy July – August 2014

What’s On Welland Steam and Country Rally A very popular event promising nostalgia, sights, sounds, colour and movement for every member of the family as you take a trip down memory lane. www.wellandsteamrally.co.uk Friday 25th – Sunday 27th July Warndon Villages Summer Fete, Lyppard Grange Community Centre, Worcester, WR4 ODZ Fun filled family event celebrating 21 years of working in the community.

Many attractions including climbing wall, bungee run, surf machine, pony rides, barbeque, smoke tents, Worcester farmers market and much more.

Sunday 13th July 12.00 – 4.00 pm Kimbolton Fete at St James Church on A4112 Crafts, gifts, side stalls, games, activities, tractor ride, raffle , beat the goalie, beat the buzzer, fancy dress competition, Dog Show, BBQ, Bar and more raising funds for St James PTFA. Saturday 5th July from 2.00 pm St Mary’s Summer Fete, Broadway village green, Broadway Children’s Circus and fete, games, crafts, face painting & more... Tel: 07713 349 536 Saturday 5th July 12.00, 2.00 and 4.00 pm Flavours of Herefordshire Festival, Caste Green A family-friendly festival including the Enchanted Garden Children’s Area, food-focused craft activities, face painting, badge making, puppet show, street food, cookery demonstrations, workshops, Farmers’ Market, buskers and musicians with special guest CBEEBIES MISTER MAKER and also MARY BERRY CBE from The Great British Bake Off. www.flavoursofherefordshire.co.uk Saturday 23rd – Monday 25th August

Wild West Summer Fete, Red Hill C of E Primary School, Midhurst Close, Worcester WR5 2HX There will be a Rodeo Bull ride, a bouncy castle & slide, a fancy dress parade, pony rides, face-painting, raffle prizes, outdoor & indoor games & stalls, craft activities, cakes, BBQ food and refreshments. Sunday 6th July 2.00 - 5pm Free Animals R Magic in aid of The Cinnamon Trust, Jinney Ring Craft Centre, Hanbury, Bromsgrove, B60 4BU Come and meet animal charities and get advice on the care and welfare of animals, novelty dog show, dog obedience and agility demonstrations with the opportunity to have a go, gundog demonstration, ferrets, birds of prey, alpacas and much more. Sunday 20th July 11.00 am – 5.00 pm £2.00 adult, 1.00 child www.jinneyring.co.uk Big Picnic in the Park, Droitwich Festival, Lido Park, Droitwich A family event for the whole community held in Lido Park in conjunction with the Friends of St Peters CE VA First School inc local food and drink producers, children’s activities, art workshops and music from local bands and choirs. Sunday 6th July 12.00 – 5.00 pm If you would like to feature in the What’s On Section, please email editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk Don’t forget to mention when you telephone that you saw the listings in Families Hereford and Worcester magazine

Skymaze coming soon!

STOP PRESS! New playground under construction!

This summer sees the launch of the ‘Skymaze’ at Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens. Consisting of interconnecting treehouses, slides and jungle bridges, climbing to a bird’s eye view of the Park and its existing playground, Skymaze is being built by the Norfolk based Curious Adventure Play Company. It is the biggest ever investment in the Park’s playground and is set to become a firm family favourite, along with the existing treehouse slide. Toddlers won’t be left out as a ‘Mini-Manor’ treehouse is also being built in some of the smaller trees, with slides and activities to keep them busy!

Now for the first time you can purchase online tickets for the Park, at last year’s prices, which are valid for one month from date of purchase.

See our website to purchase E-tickets for discounted Park entry. www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk. Burford, Oxon, OX18 4JP. Tel: 01993 823006. Info@cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk July – August 2014

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

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July – August 2014